Neck pain — cervicalgia — has become one of the most common complaints at the Gouizine Clinic in Temsia (Agadir). Sedentary lifestyles, screens, stress, and modern-life tension put heavy strain on the cervical region. Physiotherapy is highly effective in relieving pain lastingly and correcting the underlying postural causes.
What is neck pain?
Neck pain refers to any pain localized in the cervical region (neck, upper back, base of the skull). It can be:
- Acute (stiff neck): sudden pain, often on waking, with neck locking — lasting a few days.
- Subacute: between 7 days and 3 months.
- Chronic: pain persisting beyond 3 months, often postural or linked to osteoarthritis.
- Cervico-brachial neuralgia: pain radiating from the neck to the shoulder and arm (often nerve-root compression).
Common symptoms
- Pain in the neck, sometimes radiating to the base of the skull or between the shoulder blades
- Neck stiffness, difficulty turning the head
- Headaches in a band, frontal or occipital
- Sensation of permanent tension in the upper trapezius
- Radiating pain toward the shoulder or arm, tingling in the hand
- Dizziness or sensation of imbalance (cervicogenic dizziness)
Most common causes
- Prolonged postures: screen too low, smartphone ("text neck"), driving, reading in bed.
- Stress and emotional tension: contractures of the upper trapezius and suboccipitals.
- Cervical osteoarthritis: wear of the vertebral joints (especially after 40).
- Cervical disc herniation: nerve root compression.
- Trauma: whiplash from a car accident, fall, sports impact.
- Global imbalances: weakness of scapular fixators, loss of thoracic mobility, kyphotic posture.
Our treatment approach in Agadir
The initial assessment evaluates neck mobility, painful zones, overall posture, deep flexor strength, and the patient's ergonomic environment. The plan then combines:
- Manual therapy: release of upper trapezius and suboccipital tension, gentle cervical mobilizations.
- Targeted stretching: sternocleidomastoids, levator scapulae, pectorals.
- Deep cervical flexor strengthening — key to stabilizing the neck and preventing recurrence.
- Postural retraining: thoracic opening, head alignment, body awareness.
- Therapeutic massage: relaxation of overworked muscle chains.
- Ergonomic assessment and advice: screen height, distance, breaks, sleep (suitable pillow).
- Clinical Pilates in the strengthening and prevention phase.
How many sessions?
For an acute stiff neck, 3 to 5 sessions are often enough. For chronic neck pain, plan on 10 to 15 sessions over 6 to 10 weeks, with postural and strengthening work.
Good daily habits
- Screen at eye level (use a riser if needed)
- 2-minute breaks every 45 minutes to move the head and shoulders
- Limit holding the smartphone low — prefer it at face level
- Pillow suited to your build (not too high, not too flat)
- Gentle neck stretches morning and evening (side bending, rotation, controlled extension)
- Regular physical activity (walking, swimming, Pilates)
Related services
- Physiotherapy — primary care
- Therapeutic massage — neck relaxation
- Clinical Pilates — postural strengthening
- Laser therapy — acute phase